9pm, Sky ArtsJudi and her potty-mouthed parrot Sweetheart invite Ian McKellen for a natter in the return of this charming show. Ian reminds her of when they first met, performing a play in 1967, and how Judi saved him from stage fright. Then it’s a warm, naughty hour as they share anecdotes about Ann Summers knickers, ponder the future (Judi’s eyesight is now very bad) and watch a clip of cinema flop Cats: “I was frightful in the film,” says Judi.
Pure gold with two icons. Hollie Richardson 7.30pm, ITV1 The new season of the accelerated version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? opens with six new hopefuls (sadly there’s no “Coughing Major”). The tighter format means that contestants don’t have time to doubt themselves as they ascend the money ladder.
And if they get a multiple-choice question wrong, they will be eliminated. Priya Elan Rebus star Richard Rankin narrates the annual bonanza at Edinburgh Castle, which takes on the theme A Call to Gather. Expect Highland dancers, a ceremonial performance from the RAF’s King’s Colour Squadron, international music and, of course, lots of bagpipes.
HR 8pm, Channel 4 Fred Sirieix embarks on a luxurious new travel series, starting in Marrakech. He checks into – and has a go at being the general manager of – the exclusive Royal Mansour hotel, where the personal service is impeccable and the hammams are opulent. Then he leaves the site to check out some souks and fly in a hot-air balloon.
Jack Seale 8pm, U&Alibi A lawyer is killed at an elite pub quiz, which calls for investigator Alexa Crow and sidekick Madison to – you’ve guessed it – go undercover and schmooze with the wealthy suspects. They’re a competitive bunch with a lot of history behind them, so the pair have got their work cut out before the night is over. HR 9pm, Channel 4 There’s some brilliant detective work in Queen’s medical centre, Nottingham.
Claire has arrived in the unit after collapsing during a run. Her case seems straightforward but doctor David has noticed something very troubling in the results of a routine blood test. As ever, impressive and affirming.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
